On May 3, 2020, the CIAC hosted a virtual ceremony on Fox 61 honoring Zaida Cotto and Abedin Abedini, and all the 2020 CIAC Scholar Athletes. The project was spearheaded by John Holt, and hosted by 4-Time Connecticut Sportscaster of the Year, Bob Picozzi.
Since 1984, this event has been held at the AquaTurf in Plantsville. Students from around the state were honored at this prestigious event.
This year, obviously, that wasn’t possible. But through the efforts of Holt, with the cooperation of principals, athletic directors, and the students themselves, they managed to have the event anyway.
The event began with a moving montage featuring the athletes themselves, sharing “stay safe, stay home” messages. The students were honored by keynote speeches from Connecticut Basketball Legend Rebecca Lobo and MLB veteran and 1987 CIAC Scholar Athlete Brad Ausmus.
Weaver High School’s Olivia Deleon-Gaston was featured in an on-air interview with Holt, representing scholar-athletes across the state.
There were many touching moments during this event, and we’re incredibly proud of the leadership Zaida Cotto and Abedin Abedini bring to Bulkeley High School, on the field and in the classroom.
